Free admission to historic Scotland sites

Nov 25 2009 by Sara Bain, Dumfries Standard Wednesday

A NUMBER of the region’s historic sites will be opening their gates for free at the weekend.

Minister for Culture, External Affairs and the Constitution Michael Russell has announced a weekend of free entry to 47 Historic Scotland sites in Dumfries and Galloway and throughout the country on Saturday and Sunday, November 28 and 29.

The free entry announcement is a key part of both the St Andrew’s Weekend celebrations and the finale of Homecoming Scotland 2009.

Michael Russell said: “This is a brilliant opportunity to visit one of Historic Scotland’s superb heritage attractions.

“Opening these properties for free over the 28th and 29th of November is a wonderful way for us, as Scots, to mark our country’s national day and celebrate the end of a highly successful year of Homecoming.

“We, as a nation, are terribly proud and passionate about our history, culture and what made us who we are today.

“We can celebrate these amazing places and the stories of our country this weekend. With Historic Scotland offering membership for great value family days out all year, this is a chance to try it out in advance.

“And, in keeping with tradition, Edinburgh Castle will be opening for free on a third day, on St Andrew’s Day itself (November 30), to give an opportunity to view our nation’s Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny – two significant symbols of Scotland.

“The challenge will be – how many can you fit into two days? We know that people have seen it as a personal or family challenge in the past to see how many they can tick off. So, calling all Castle Baggers, Neolithic Hunters and Abbey Seekers – on your marks!”

The Historic Scotland St Andrew’s Free Weekend offer will cover a selection of leading historic attractions across the length and breadth of Scotland.

The Dumfries and Galloway attractions offering free admission for this year are Caerlaverock Castle, Cardoness Castle, Dundrennan Abbey, New Abbey Corn Mill, and Sweetheart Abbey.

With Historic Scotland having so many attractions participating this weekend, they have set up a special text for nearest service.

This means people can text WEEKEND to 84118 and they will receive information on their closest free attraction and its opening times.

This comprises sites in Orkney and the Western Isles - including Skara Brae, Maeshowe, and the Arnol Blackhouse; in the North and Grampian - including Fort George and Urquhart Castle; in Perth, Kinross and Angus - including Arbroath Abbey and Huntingtower Castle; in Edinburgh and the Lothians - including Edinburgh Castle and Dirleton Castle and Gardens; in the Central and West region – including Castle Campbell, Doune Castle, Iona Abbey, and Stirling Castle; in the Glasgow and the Clyde region - including Glasgow Cathedral and Bothwell Castle; in Fife - including Dunfermline Abbey and St Andrews Cathedral, and in the Borders – including Melrose Abbey and Smailholm Tower.

Previous Historic Scotland Free Weekends have proved immensely popular, with it becoming a diary date for enthusiastic historic building baggers.

Last year’s St Andrew’s Free Weekend saw over 35,500 visitors attending Historic Scotland sites across the length and breadth of the country.